The most common question most foreigners ask after visiting Dubai is how they can get citizenship. In the past, it was not easy to get Residency Visas in the Emirates, but in 2021, the government modified the citizenship law to accept more foreigners in the country.
These amendments allow certain groups and their families to acquire UAE citizenship under specific terms. The goal is to attract creative minds to the region to help with the growth and welfare of the homeland.
Why Should I get UAE citizenship?
UAE is one the most popular destinations for foreigners to visit, live and invest. About 75% of UAE’s population consists of expats, which is around 2.7 million.The reason being the provision of outstanding healthcare, education and other social facilities by the govenrment.
It presents lots of job and investment opportunities which attracts career driven individuals.Another benefit is you can live with your family and you can get retirement at the age of 49, if you have 20 years of experience.
UAE Citizenship Requirements
There are different methods to get citizenship in the UAE, such as staying in Dubai for a long time, marriage, lineage, investment, and extraordinary merit. Now, we will discuss each method in detail.
Citizenship Through Naturalization
Residents who have lived in the UAE for thirty years or more can apply for UAE citizenship through naturalization. They should be financially independent, able to speak basic Arabic, and not have any former criminal record.
Citizenship Through Marriage
Another way to get UAE citizenship is to marry a Dubai native. To marry a nonresident, your spouse needs to get approval from the court. You should have a clear medical and criminal profile to do this.
Citizenship Through Birth/Lineage
UAE citizenship can be obtained at birth, although some conditions must be met. These conditions are:
- The child is born into an Arab family that has inhabited the UAE for a long time.
- The child is born to a father who is a UAE national.
- The child is born to a mother who is a UAE national.
Citizenship Through Extraordinary Merit
The government of UAE recently introduced a citizenship law through extraordinary merit. The main purpose is to entice professionals and creative individuals to the country’s industrial development. The criteria for this category are discussed below.
- Investors who have personal property in the UAE
- A specialist doctor with ten years of experience and a specialization that the UAE government requires.
- Renowned scientists who have ten years of experience and a reference letter from an acknowledged research institution in Dubai. They must be actively involved in research work at an institute and have won an esteemed award in their department.
- Inventors who have authorized licenses and reference letters granted by Dubai’s Ministry of Economy.
- Global award-winning creators and intelligent people who are founders in the cultural and art department. They are also expected to get a reference letter from the authorities.
How to Apply for UAE Citizenship?
There are no fixed methods for obtaining UAE citizenship; however, the government selects qualified candidates based on specific standards.
Evaluation & Pre-approval of Application
The federal government appoints a consulting committee and subcommittees to evaluate each individual’s application. After the evaluation, the details are inspected by subcommittees to identify applicants eligible for citizenship.
Acceptance of Application
After the application is approved, the advisory committee, which is composed of one executive from each emirate, makes the final announcement.
Even after achieving all the criteria, your citizenship application can be denied based on other factors. The ultimate verdict is made by the Crown Prince’s Courts and other officials, and it takes work.
Advantages of Getting UAE Citizenship
There are many benefits of getting UAE citizenship, which make it highly desirable, such as an easy approach to basic facilities, Trade Opportunities, and an enriching lifestyle.
Social and Community Benefits
Getting citizenship in the UAE comes with lots of social and other essential benefits. They get health insurance, social security, and other public welfare programs are also presented to provide them with a better living experience. They also enjoy educational benefits, which include scholarship awards and other professional projects that encourage academic performance among citizens.
Commercial Benefits
The Emiratis enjoy many commercial benefits, including work and Business Opportunities. They can actively participate in the UAE’s growing economy, as the government continuously encourages entrepreneurship within the country. The state also provides large salaries, which raises the standard of living.
Real Estate and Proprietorship
After getting citizenship in Dubai, citizens can apply for government housing schemes, which make it easier for them to own a house in the country. They can also invest in real estate, which helps them move towards a future of financial stability and development.
Travel Without Visa
The UAE passport is ranked 11th most powerful passport worldwide. UAE passport holders can smoothly travel to approximately 180 countries without a visa.
They can enter some of the most famous countries, including Spain, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, and others. Due to this, citizens can explore global business opportunities, tourist sites, and international markets.
Safety and Security
The UAE government enforces strict rules and regulations, which benefits UAE citizens greatly. The government’s commitment to safety and security creates a harmonious environment for citizens.
Family Sponsorship
After getting UAE citizenship, passport holders can also sponsor their families. This helps the citizens unite and live with their family members, which helps nourish family ties.
Final Thoughts!
At the end of this article, we expect that it has provided you with the answer to “how can I get UAE citizenship?”Acquiring UAE citizenship can bring lots of social and economic benefits and this procedure can be completed within a short period.
You can get your property and live with your family by sponsoring them. Make sure to comply with the Dubai Laws and regulations for your smooth and safe stay in the country.